High School

Last year the Staunton River Golden Eagles took four wrestlers to the VHSL State Championship meet and put one on the podium. This year the Golden Eagles had four wrestlers in the finals for their respective weight-class.

This year’s team made program history by taking nine wrestlers to the State Championship.

Repeating as VHSL 4A State Championship was not the Jefferson Forest boy’s team’s main goal. Head Coach Marty Ponder said all he wanted was his team to swim their best swim and not worry about what they could not control.

The Cavaliers did just that and got another State Championship for their efforts. Jefferson Forest won their second consecutive VHSL 4A State Championship 233-224 over second place Monacan High School. The girl’s finished in twelfth overall with 62 points.

Liberty put Brookville in a spot the Lady Bees had not often found themselves in this season. The Lady Minutemen completely flustered their opponent. An aggressive defense mixed with fast paced offense held Brookville scoreless for the first five minutes of the game.

Last year Jefferson Forest won five games and was bounced in the first round of the Seminole District Championship. This year the Cavaliers took down Liberty and Rustburg to reach the Seminole District Championship game.

Liberty had the game in the palm of its hand but a defensive breakdown on the final play ended their run for the Seminole District title.

“Before the tournament we talked about control what you can control,” Liberty Head Coach Emilee Dunton said after a first round victory against Rustburg. “Obviously it’s going to be a hostile environment when it’s win or go home.”

Surrounded by friends, family and coaches Staunton River soccer star Abby Light signed her Letter of Intent to continue her career an hour south at Ferrum College.

“Last year was a learning year for our team,” Staunton River Head Coach Shaun Leonard said. “We went into the season last year trying to figure out how to replace about 85% of our offense, lost to graduation. Abby really stepped up and took charge in trying to find ways for us to score as a team.”